Travel going off track

Too timid to try this? Get over it. Jump out of a plane, navigate the rapids and snorkel with sharks in adventure sports heaven, Australia I prepare for every eventuality when travelling. I arrive at the airport before the counter opens and I know where the emergency parachute is. I took a leap of faith by choosing an itinerary with scary sports in Queensland, a state recently hit by natural disasters. But no other place allowed one to swim in the Great Barrier Reef, zip through rainforests and hug koalas. I travelled to Brisbane and was relieved to see no hint of calamity. A smooth plane ride to Cairns and I was ready for action. Skydiving I was terrified. My instructor dismissively said, "Almost nobody dies, worst case scenario, people break a leg or two." Seeking no more reassurance, I climbed into the aircraft. He sensed my fear that hadn't exactly abated and said, "Thanks for trusting me since I've only been doing this for three months." He grinned as the colour drained from my face. Then he confessed that he's been in business for a decade. We were 14,000 feet in the air and I watched the others on my plane fly away, one at a time. It seemed surreal until it was my turn. I reluctantly moved towards the open door. It was seven degrees and my feet were dangling out of the plane. Now, my resolve faded, but before I could react, we were flying. It's a 60-second free-fall and I forgot everything the instructional video taught. Random thoughts entered my head such as - I put down my Mumbai number for emergencies. But they won't make long distance calls, will they! I wanted to scream but I'd lost my voice. Finally the chute snapped open, and next I saw fields several 100 feet below. My first words finally surfaced, "Oh s***, this is great!" We landed and the rush and exhilaration had me weak in the knees. Minutes later, I got back up thinking that after this I can do anything. Until the next adventure strikes! Where: The Australian Skydive Company, Cairns. Cost: AUD 299 White-water rafting I am not a strong swimmer. Ok, I'll be honest - I am embarrassing to be around in water. I flap frantically and simultaneously panic while trying to keep my head above the surface. Yet I was readying to raft the Barron River. To make things worse, it was only after our raft, carrying six, got cruising that our guide, Taka, warned about recent crocodile sightings. Taka reassured us saying, "Since it's not lunchtime, you should be fine." His words made my grip firmer as the first rapid struck in full force and then another. Having maneuvered holes and eddies, miraculously, we made it to shore without losing anyone. Where: Raging Thunder, Cairns. Cost: AUD 133 Snorkelling I moved from Cairns to Port Douglas for my biggest challenge - water-sports. Since this was the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO heritage and the only living thing visible from space, I had to do this. Our cruise liner, Poseidon, parked itself in the middle of the ocean, where the instructors warned us of the dangers - strong waves, jelly fish that could have you writhing in pain. We were also a danger to each other, thanks to our flippers that could 'rip flesh apart'. We were told that every situation could be brought under control right here on the liner - meds to numb pain, fight stings and our instructors could also 'stitch us up'. The brave still decided to dive, whilst I stuck to snorkelling. I donned a stinger suit and a wet suit over it for buoyancy (an extra aid for non-swimmers). For added safety, I was given a noodle and a guide - Jason. I was swimming above the unspoilt Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. The world below was in full technicolour - yellow Clown Anemonefish (Nemo), purple Anthias and many more. A passing shark made an appearance but thankfully after I was safely onboard. Where: Poseidon, Port Douglas Cost: Snorkelling - AUD 190 All terrain vehicle How tough could it be to ride a quad bike after all I've survived? Ironically, I failed at this task. Within minutes, I banged into a tree. Yet my instructor remained patient. That is until I rammed into him full speed. I apologised but he simply said, "It's okay. Indians make the worst drivers." I wanted to prove him wrong, but I managed to do the exact opposite and got stuck in a ditch. For the rest of the ride, it was double-seat for me. In my defence, it was a heavy-duty bike and I am a tiny Indian woman! My instructor was in charge but he was smooth and made me feel that I was the one in control. We drove through mucky swamps, dirt flying everywhere; maneuvered around tight spots, and waded through gigantic puddles. Covered in filth, sweaty and smelly, I survived the ride. Where: Blazing Saddles. Cost: AUD 125 Hot air ballooning There were eleven of us huddled in a wicker basket. Any sudden moves had everybody feeling it. But I took solace thinking that our pilot Steve had our back. Almost on cue he announced, "I don't really have control over this thing. I can just take it up and down, real fast!" He wasn't entirely joking. A balloon doesn't come with multiple controls. It was blazing blowtorches and expert navigation that kept us going. We were flying above the Atherton tablelands -- fruit orchards, eucalyptus trees, and other feats of nature. Finally when we landed, we cleaned up our mess. That's right, we helped pack the balloon. And it was no easy task. In fact, it takes 10 strong men and three women to get the job done.